Transformations Fashion Show

Friday night, I saw an awesome show. Transformations is an annual show designed and produced by Catherine Fritsch for DivaFest.

Fristch speaking with the audience

 Fritsch is owner and designer of Mercurious Designs and Sweet Revenge Lingerie. She has 18 years experience in designing, pattern making and sewing services. In my book, she is the one of  the gurus of design AND she is one of the most humble and nicest person you will ever meet. She's also one of our clients at Aesthetic Design Style.

In the Transformation show, Fritsch takes off the wall objects, like styrofoam from bean bag chair and balloons, to make modern Victorian pieces. Models were supplied by LModelz Modeling Agency. Makeup was done by our own Julia Rutland and Christopher Thompson of Re-Creations and Kathy Moberly of faces by klm. Hair styling was provided by Geneva Hair Studio and jewelry by Cheeky Couture.

  

I was excited all week about this show. Here are a few of my favorite.

To find out more about Catherine Fritsch or Sweet Revenge Lingerie, go to her website.

She Sells ShaSAM3: Our interview with Julia, the Jewelry Artist

Julia Rutland is the head diva here at Aesthetic Design Style, but did you know she also has a jewelry line? She's a busy little bee! Here is the interview she did for our blog.

Introduce yourself?

I'm Julia Rutland, owner of Aesthetic Design Style and my creative outlet is designing statetment pieces for my line of jewelry called ShaSAM3.

Where are you from?

Born a Buckeye, but have lived most of my life in Indianapolis.

ShaSAM3 "Egypt Royale" (retail $15)

How long have you been designing?

Officially since October 2009 - unofficially all my life.

When did you start ShaSAM3?

October 2009 - the name is a hybrid of my three beautiful daughters' names.

What inspired you to start ShaSAM3?

My mother-in-law had a big suitcase full of costume jewelry she found at her mother's house. All kinds of stuff from all eras and I just was beside myself. We all got the chance to go through it and pick out things we liked; so that's what started my wheels turning. There were a ton of vintage brooches and earrings that had no mates so I just knew I could create something nice from these pieces. I love big oversized accessories and I really love rings. I wasn't finding rings big enough for my liking so I started desiging them out of need :) The more I wore them the more people asked where I got them so I thought maybe this would be something I could share with others. This way the beautiful jewelry that would have been thrown away or left in that suitcase could be cherished for years to come with a modern twist.

What sets ShaSAM3 apart from other accessories lines?

 

ShaSAM3 "Ring Leader" (retail $50)

I LOVE using unexpected things and making them beautiful or extraordinary. Denim is pretty dull but when you work it into a piece of jewelry it takes on a life of its own and becomes art. The best part is taking denim -which was at one time considered something only "blue collared" workers wore- and turning into something that I pair with an evening gown. Irony runs through many of my pieces. My love of finding new life for old things got me thinking of all the denim I had laying around. That turned into the statement pieces I create out of denim. I sometimes incorporate the vintage jewelry with the denim for an unexpected marriage of hard and soft that really seems to work.

Who are your influences?

Elsa Schiaparelli, Marchaesa Casati, and my Great Great Aunt Rose (whom I never had the pleasure of meeting but she smoked cigars and wore pants at a time when "ladies" weren't suppose to do so - I love hearing stories about her)

What is your favorite piece?

 

ShaSAM3 Ring (retail $15)

One called Ring Leader that I designed because I was in love with these huge metal rings I had lying around. I added some denim and some nice natural baubles and it turned into something better than I imagined in my head.

What are your price points?

Nothing over $50

Who do you prefer: Independent or Mainstream designers?

an independent fashion revolution all the way baby! (that's trademarked by the way :)

ShaSAM3 Denim (retail $30)

Any other special projects you want to share with our readers?

I am working on expanding the brand this year and having it in more retail establishments and available for online purchasing as well. Look for our designs to collaborate with some local and not so local designers this year and we may just pop up in other unexpected places :)

You can see and purchase more pieces and from ShaSAM3 on their website and the Aesthetic Design Style online boutique.

Accessories Always Fit

Accessories, accessories, accessories - oh how I love thee!!! You are always there for me and never fail to set it off at all times. I'm including my beloved shoe collection as well. Some may argue shoes are not an accessory but I must say that as much as I couldn't live without them (literally) I have to admit I choose my garments around my shoes - thus making them an accessory.

A former boss of mine came up to me one day and said "Okay, I get you now. You wear more classic clothes and accessorize out of this world." At first I was like "is that a compliment or should I be upset?" Then I realized it was simply a true observation. I love clothes but I love accessories more. Or should I say accessories are always more kind to me in lieu of having three beautiful, yet 8.5 pound, babies. Let me explain.

When choosing the right outfit (which is always of the utmost importance) there are numbers involved. Some days the numbers are smaller than others. On those days it's fun to shop. After having three kids and still trying to lose the "baby weight" when my youngest is 3 just is not as fun and the numbers seem to have grown larger without my permission. Yet when shopping for accessories the only numbers involved are "how many should I buy?" including pairs of shoes of course. Accessories can transform an outfit from outdated to current from fuddy-duddy to extraordinary and from dull to fun with one choice of a bangle.

No matter what your body type, weight, attitude, mood, race, religion, creed, etc., accessories are always your friend. They don't care if you've gained 50 pounds or lost 50 pounds. They don't care if you went in for a salad but came out with chocolate chip cookies. They don't even care if you really did hear the birthday cake in the breakroom calling your name. But your little black dress does - oh yes, that little black dress can tell if you ate just one M&M too many. None of us want to have the days when we go to get dressed and nothing fits correctly. But on the occasion that we do just spice up something nice with fun, large, one-of-a-kind accessories. You can still feel good, updated, "in", and beautiful with a little help from your forever friend (s) ~ ACCESSORIES.

Until then: "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." ~ Mary Engelbreit

The Launch of ShaSam3

I am so excited and proud to introduce a new line of custom, vintage, one-of-a-kind, rings from the line ShaSam3! Not only are these rings for the not so faint of heart but they are a sight to behold.

The Custom Collection features baubles, rhinestones, and buttons all configured in unconventional ways. The Vintage Collection features gorgeous vintage broaches that have been re-purposed and designed into rings. There were just not enough affordable large rings out there for me so I took matters into my own hands and started creating. I have personally fallen in love with each and every piece which as a designer is a HUGE no no - but I can't help it. As I create these one-of-a-kind pieces I am thinking of my clients but at the same time I would (and do) wear every piece!!!

You can purchase these creations directly from Aesthetic Design Style. So shop, fall in love, and enjoy!!

Until then: "Part of what is so unshackling was the whole aspect that when you're studying art or design, the answer's in you, somewhere." - Tim Gunn (LOVE him, by the way!)

The End of Summer Means HUGE Savings

As we all know the sight of opaque tights, knee high boots, tweed, suede, and quilting in our favorite shops are true signs that summer will soon be a distant memory - once again. Yes that also means it's time for me to wade through my closet and box up my "summer" clothes and shoes and bust out my "winter" clothes suit cases. As I've gotten much wiser (not older, just wiser) I have eliminated my trepidation about this whole unavoidable task by making smarter and better quality choices about how I view my wardrobe.

There are a few pieces I have that can actually carry me from summer to fall to winter to spring and back again. They are investment pieces but they are worth it in the long run. Especially now that I have 3 daughters and don't have 4 hours to get dressed let alone 15 minutes for myself - but that's what I signed up for!!! Don't get me wrong, there are few true fall/winter pieces that I just couldn't live without that would NEVER do for spring/summer. But the pieces I do keep out year round can easily be paired with many things to create unique looks - AND no one knows - well, until now.

Changing up your accessories and adding color is the easiest and most inexpensive way to stretch your dollar and your wardrobe. This works in all seasons. And like I always say "accessories always fit!". No matter how many kids you have or how many times you get married or divorced - accessories always keep their shape!

A great way to stock up on these timeless wardrobe necessities is to catch the end of season sales - BUT this can be tricky. You MUST find accessories that are unique, good quality, and are stylish NOT TOO TRENDY! If you get caught in the trap of trends then you will find yourself on the fast track to being out of fashion before you know it. Knowing how to incorporate a trend here and there is always good. Trend overkill, on the other hand, is the true testament to someone who may still be trying to find their own personal style by following what they feel everyone else is doing. Hence they never find their own style identity.

I happen to have 3 fabulous offers for you to get started on your new outlook on fashion:

• Brynn Capella Handbags is offering below wholesale pricing on sample sale items. This is a fantastic way to try out a new chic handbag that no one else has at recession friendly pricing. The quality of these bags is undenied and once you get one - you'll be back for her fall line - trust!



• Erin Braxton Loungewear is offering her wonderful line of loungewear at an exceptional discount. Just use promo code EBSUMMER25 at checkout and receive $25 off your order of $100 or more. You'll never sleep in your husband's sweats again - trust!



• Chic Gems Etc., is teaming up with us, Aesthetic Design Style, and offering 50% off to all of our customers through Monday, August 17th! You can only get the discount by using code ADS50 at checkout. Also with any $100 (after discount) purchase you receive a FREE pair of pearl earrings! Now who can pass that up? Chic Gems Etc., is clearing out merchandise to make room for her two new lines: The Signature Line and The Couture Line - you do NOT want to miss that launch - trust!

So, you see we've gotten you off to a GREAT start for fall. Take advantage of the wonderful offers above and off you go!

Until then: “The goal I seek is to have people refine their style through my clothing without having them become victims of fashion.” Giorgio Armani

Sarah Radford of Chic Gems etc. Voted TOP Woman Entrepreneur

We are so proud to be a part of this very special occasion. Sarah Radford, designer of Chic Gems etc., was chosen as one of the TOP Women Entrepreneurs by Mike Michalowicz! What an honor - not only for her but it is a HUGE step for women in general. To view this phenomenal article click here.

A big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Sarah and Chic Gems etc. You deserve it!

Hello Spring! (Well, Spring-LIKE Weather)

The weather is starting to break for the better and so are our minds! We are starting to get outside more, be more conscious of our appearance, and dusting off all of the amazing peep toe pumps, wedges, and strappy sandals in all of their glory! Though with this economy buying an abundance new outfits seems more of a task than usual. That's why adding strong "pieces" to our already existing wardrobes is the route most are taking this year.

Aesthetic Design Style to the rescue!!!!!!!!! Visit us and see how you can add unique, affordable, and quality pieces to your wardrobe without being an economic fashion disaster. We just added yet another spectacular designer to our fam so you are now covered from the inside out. Welcome evlove intimates - where you are the designer of the most fabulous intimate apparel. Top that off with some color at Chic Gems Etc. or Mattanda and grab a handbag (or 5!) at Brynn Capella or Bags of Blessing depending upon the occasion (or none at all because I don't need an occasion to buy a handbag - or anything for that matter!)

We invite you to join us on our journey of independence and to "step outside the box"!

Until then: "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." Coco Chanel

Introducing . . . MATTANDA!

The Arrival of MATTANDA!!!!

Aesthetic Design Style is proud to announce that we have added a new designer to our family. Please help us welcome MATTANDA! MATTANDA is phenomenal hand crafted jewelry by Amanda McMahan and is beautifully executed as well as exquisitely packaged. Stop by Aesthetic Design Style or MATTANDA to check out all of the incredible earrings and necklaces beyond your imagination. MATTANDA uses vintage pieces mixed with modern flair to create one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else.

Not only is this line fantastic, it is very affordable as well. In this economy you can now afford to be fierce everyday. You deserve to treat yourself and with MATTANDA you won’t feel guilty – just FABULOUS!

We look forward to this new relationship with MATTANDA jewelry and we are so very excited to be a part of such a positive and wonderful movement.

ENJOY!!

Until then:

“My work has brought me into contact with the world's finest designers. I had a lot to learn. I have learned a lot. I found out you can learn a lot about yourself as a person, too-while you're learning how to use fashion in your life.” - Loretta Young

Chic Gems Etc. Gets NATIONAL Press!

Aesthetic Design Style wants to congratulate Chic Gems Etc. for receiving the national spotlight in the National Examiner! On page 18 of the February 23rd edition Chic Gems Etc.'s
pomegranate drop earrings are the featured giveaway! We are so excited and so proud of Chic Gems Etc.! Here's to much much more national press!

Aesthetic Design is EXTENDING our Virtual Online Trunk Show Until 2/28/09

Finish the Month of February with Style - Aesthetic Design Style that is!

With overwhelming response, we are extending our Virtual Online Trunk Show featuring Chic Gems Etc. and Bags of Blessing. Along with these two fabulous designers you will find handbags by Brynn Capella at Chic Gems Etc. online. Also just added, beautiful handmade scarves at Bags of Blessing. You will still receive 10% off from Chic Gems Etc. and FREE Shipping from Bags of Blessing.

Come see what everyone is talking about.

Always remember: "Creativity is the ability to see that which is waiting to exist"